Barnardos Australia knows that deciding to become a foster carer is of the biggest decisions of your life. We show our belief in our foster carers by providing high levels of support. We work as a team to ensure the needs of both the foster carer and the child are met. This means we will be there to help and guide you every step of the way.

Barnardos is Australia’s leading child protection charity and for more than 130 years we have worked with thousands of children and young people and their families. We have broad ranging knowledge and expertise in the provision of our foster care services.

At Barnardos we embrace equality and diversity and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion, marital/civil partnership status.

Barnardos is the only Australian agency that has parental responsibility for its children. This means when you need approvals for parental decisions, you only deal with Barnardos, rather than various government avenues. One Barnardos case worker can answer all of your queries and seek permission for parental approval. Other agencies have long complex approval processes for simple matters such as permission for medications to be prescribed.

Barnardos believes that by providing the right help, committed support, and belief, even the most vulnerable children can turn their lives around. We believe its possible for you to transform a child’s life. By choosing to become a foster carer you can make a huge difference to a child’s life – and yours.

How will I be supported?Barnardos Australia provides training and allowance support to foster carers.

As a Barnardos foster carer you will receive guidance and support 24 hours a day. We will provide you with comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure your placement is successful for you and the child, along with generous tax-free allowance. We will also provide you with supported activities and gatherings for you and your child.

(Please note that an allowance is not paid to permanent/adoptive carers of children under the age of two years.)

Count yourself in and start the journey to become a foster carer today.